Social Welfare Ministry Rehabilitates 50 Youth Addicts at PMTC in Hastings

As part of Sierra Leone’s renewed commitment to tackling the growing threat of drug and substance abuse, the Ministry of Social Welfare has taken a bold step by facilitating the rehabilitation of 50 young addicts, 45 boys and 5 girls, at the Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) in Hastings.

The move marks a significant milestone in the government’s broader national drug prevention and rehabilitation strategy.

Drug abuse, especially among youth, has emerged as a critical public health and security issue in the country. The Ministry of Social Welfare, under the leadership of Minister Melrose Karminty, has rolled out aggressive measures to combat the crisis, with a focus on prevention, rehabilitation, and reintegration.

Hon. Princess Kadie Daramy, a Member of Parliament and representative of the Parliamentary Committee on Social Welfare, described the initiative as a turning point in the country’s fight against addiction. She emphasized that the state can no longer remain silent while an entire generation is at risk of being lost to drugs.

“This is more than a rehabilitation program, it is a national call to action,” she stated, urging all sectors of society to join forces to combat the drug epidemic.

Speaking at the event, Major Lavalie of the PMTC highlighted the importance of discipline and security within the center, positioning it as a model for future rehabilitation efforts. The center not only offers detoxification services but also focuses on character reformation and life skills training.

In her keynote speech, Minister Karminty declared that the nation must invest in hope, not despair. “Today, we are building a future by saving the present. These young people deserve another chance, and we are here to make sure they get it.”

The Ministry has pledged to expand its efforts through public education campaigns, community engagement, and partnerships with international organizations to scale up services. The PMTC is just the beginning of a wider national movement to reclaim lives and restore dignity to Sierra Leone’s youth.